As reported by the Las Cruces Sun-News, a New Mexico appeals court has upheld a $14.9 million award to the family of a man who burned to death after striking an unprotected natural gas well with his vehicle. The owner of the well, Energen Resources Corp., had argued that the size of the award was excessive and unconstitutional. The New Mexico Court of Appeals found that punitive damages of $13 million were appropriate considering the reckless disregard for the safety of the public shown by the firm.
A positive result for the judicial system.





